3 Signs of Stalking Behavior Students Need to Know About

Posted on 31 January 2017 |

Since January is Stalking Awareness Month, we thought it would be a good time to provide you with some tips on identifying and responding to stalking behaviors. Before we get started, it’s important to understand just how often stalking occurs.

While some behaviors are obvious, other behaviors can occur without you noticing. But, these habits are easy to identify if you know the warning signs. In this post, we will attempt to identify some common ways stalkers prey on their victims.

1. Persistent Attempts to Contact

One common behavior indicative of stalking is persistent forms of contact. This can occur via text, email, phone calls, in person or another means of communication. These chats can range from small talk to pestering about ideas about your personal life.

To protect yourself, be wary of answering the phone or accepting messages from numbers you don't recognize. And as a golden rule, always assume that someone will leave a message if it is important.

Also, make sure your personal number and email are not publicly available—which includes social media. Finally, if you are experiencing unwanted communications, make sure to always keep a log. This will help if you decide to escalate your case to a higher authority.

2. Fake Social Media Profiles

Like our previous examples with unknown numbers, be sure to only accept requests from people you know. Stalkers may use fake profiles to contact you under the guise of someone else—like"catfishing." They may do this to circumvent a ban and see your updates. Also, this can give them access to your personal information such as birthday and current employer.

Also, if you use so called "anonymous" message boards be sure to not give away clues to your identity. For example, if you are using a non-descriptive username, don't post information about your personal life. This could include cities you have lived in or schools you have attended.

Someone could view your post history and piece together clues to figure out your identity. This practice, also known as "doxing," has identified people who thought they were anonymous. Be sure to not leave any descriptive clues when you are posting online.

3. Waiting for You Outside of Work/Class

If a stalker is able to figure out your schedule, they may attempt to follow you during the day. If you notice this, alter your routes during the day. The person may be trying to figure out your daily routines or figure out where you live.

If you notice someone following you do not go to your dorm or apartment. Instead head to a public place such as a library or student union and get in contact with a campus official.

Conclusion

While this list is far from conclusive, these examples are common warning signs to look out for. If you notice anyone exhibiting these behaviors, talk to a campus leader. Also remember to help your friends if they confide in you about a potential stalker.